Field Guide. cropping and pastoral grazing on flat to rolling country.

SOIL INDICATORSSurface relief under pasture Observe the surface relief (smoothness) of the paddock at the end ofwinter. Compare it with the three photographs opposite.Although soils are most susceptible to pugging during the wet wintermonths, observations of surface relief at any time of the year willgive useful information on damage caused by past <strong>grazing</strong>, <strong>and</strong> itslikely effects on soil quality.SURFACE RELIEF shows the severity of pugging under stock treading,<strong>and</strong> indicates structural damage below the surface. Wet soil can pugseverely under intensive <strong>grazing</strong>. This reduces the pores in the soil,which are important for water, nutrient <strong>and</strong> air movement, <strong>and</strong> rootpenetration.66 VISUAL SOIL ASSESSMENT: Volume 1